Fire Departments Receive Funding in Grants

Firefighters, Rescue Squad, and other emergency personnel who put their safety at risk to help their local neighbors are some of the most vital people in our community. Yet they often go thankless, and they often cannot afford all the equipment they need to ensure the best safety for both them and others. That is why the Tennessee Department of Commerce and State Fire Marshal’s Office have worked hard each year to give to fire departments across Tennessee. At this year’s luncheon for departments across the Upper Cumberland, White County’s many departments received over $800,000 in grant funds.

Every year, TDOC and the Marshall’s office work hard to bring funds to agencies across the county. For Upper Cumberland alone, they were able to give out $3,256,913.75 in grant funds, the most they have ever given in a single event for the area. Many of White County’s agencies were present at the meeting to accept their checks in person. Representative Paul Sherrell was also at the meeting, and he spoke to the importance of fire personnel and that he feels they do not always get all the money they need.

Listed below will be the grant money received by each department here in White County:

• BonDeCroft Volunteer Fire Department – $60,815
• Cassville Volunteer Fire Department - $44,000
• Central View Fire Department - $104,000
• Cherry Creek Volunteer Fire Department - $30,600
• Sparta Fire Department - $35,400
• Eastland Fire Department - $41,851
• Hickory Valley Volunteer Fire Department - $55,480
• Doyle Volunteer Fire Department – $101,007
• Sparta-White County Volunteer Rescue Squad - $75,412
• North End Volunteer Fire Department - $63,520

While not every department was present to accept their checks in person, all the departments were grateful for the support received at such an event. And surely, they all hope to earn even more next year, to better support this county and continue putting their safety and time on the line for their neighbors.